Customer Reviews

Project U.l.f. (Project U.L.F.) (Project U.L.F.)

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

A friend recommended this book to me, even though Science Fiction isn't normally my first genre choice. Not only did I quickly become engrossed in the story and finding out the fate of my favorite characters, but by the end of the book I was hoping that another installment would be coming soon. I eagerly await future books featuring Wyatt. I have to agree with the reviewer who mentioned a film script feel. I can easily see a movie developed from the world and characters Mr. Clark has deftly created.

Stuart Clark has put together a strong combination of character, plot and environment to create a novel and entertaining tale.

There are many aspects to the book that are derivative of other famous tales (eg Alien, Predator, ever Star Wars) and on the whole the story reads like a suggestion for a Movie (but not a bad one!). This does not detract from the book, though. In fact the author humorously acknowledges his debt to the past and then builds in some very original twists and turns.

The story combines elements of a mystery thriller, sci-fi and action-adventure and doesn't shy away from tackling some reasonably intricate relationships between the characters. Once the central mission within the story is underway, then the tale gathers pace and becomes a real page-turner with one gripping scenario after the other, focusing mainly on
action and suspense.

The zoological thread of capturing creatures from around the galaxy give a new dimension to the "hunt or be hunted" cliche and formed a nice backdrop for a well measured back-story that provided enough motivation for some of the characters behaviour, but didn't bog them down in too much dialogue or analysis.

There's also intelligence and imagination in the description of the various ghoulies and beasties that the team encounter on the dangerous voyage to the mystery planet, and some of the technical background detail adds an air of authenticity to the seemingly near-future technology and society.

The writing style is occasionally a little forced, but definitely finds its feet once the action gets going. For escapism and fun, highly recommended. I look forward to the next one!

This adventure in space builds a vivid picture of future time and distant worlds, populated by the exotic creatures of bounteous creations every bit as diverse as the Earth's. We have a diverse team of specimen collectors sent, not so much to gather, as to die. This is a great adventure undertaken by a group of strongly cast individuals, who must choose between desperate cooperation and death. Not a hard choice, one may think! An adventure that can grab the imagination of those of all ages,in short, the sort of engaging book that now so rarely makes it through the vile and shocking to the front of our few remaining book-stores. This is the sort of SF that readers across most mainstream genres can enjoy.

I bought this book due to customer reviews and lack new material available in this genre. I read a sample and thought it a bit amateurish and predictable but showing some possibilities. I was wrong. After 300+ pages of "waiting" I finally abandoned it.

first of all let me state that i am not a science fiction "freak" per se... while one of my all time favorite movies is mel brooks space balls and i do enjoy star wars, star trek, quantam leap, and a dr who episode now and then i am not a big reader of novels in general let alone sci-fi. that said this book was a gripping page turner that had many ethical and moral issues at the core of it without being preachy or pushy in any way shape or form. clark's imagination is vivid whether it is in describing the other life forces or the futuristic scenarios, technologies and society. i also like how he leaves a bit out so that as a reader it makes for an interactive experience. once i got into this i could barely put it down short of falling asleep from exhaustion (from sleep debt). i am ready to dive into the 2nd in the series and hope someday this will be a movie to enjoy!

Stuart Clark produced a great adventure which captures you in the first chapter. It has a new take on aliens. The main character goes to different worlds and collects different alien "species" for the zoo on earth. A hidden plot takes them to a planet which they have to go thru alot of action and adventure and survival to make their way back. I would recommend this book. Can't wait till the sequal is out.

Books like this simply validate my love of science fiction. Not only are Clark's characters realistic and interesting, but the storyline is extremely engaging. From the time I first sat down to read, straight through to the end, I was captivated.

Wyatt Dorren heads Project U.L.F. (Unidentified Life Form) for the Interplanetary Zoological Park. In the past, he has been a trapper, visiting various planets and collecting different species of extraterrestrial life to bring back to the zoo. So, when he is offered to lead another mission of the same, which he thinks will be good for promoting the zoo, he agrees. But, unbeknownst to Wyatt, the Douglas Mannheim has other plans for this "routine" mission. The disreputable Mannheim is the manager of the zoo, and feels threatened by Wyatt. So, he assembles a special team for Wyatt and sends them on a one-way trip to a planet from which no one has returned.

Mannheim isn't the only one with an ulterior motive. And the planet is much more dangerous than anyone imagines. With deadly creatures around every corner, not everyone will survive this nightmare.

Comparable to tense, science fiction movies such as Alien and Pitch Black, Project U.L.F. is a guaranteed non-stop, heart-pounding thriller. At the end of each chapter, I felt like I could finally exhale in relief. Cleverly written from different points of view (and sometimes of the aliens themselves), only added to the suspense. Clark's vivid depiction of the deadly planet and imaginative creatures brought the book to life. I'll be looking forward to more works from this new author.

What a surprisingly good book!!! I kept expecting aliens to come charging out at the main characters like in Alien or Aliens (I loved those movies by way). But the author refreshingly throws many different kinds of aliens and obstacles at the characters--everything from alien vegetation to corrupt corporate executives and a whole lot of creatures in between. Even the environment has it in for the heroes. Speaking of the heroes, they are a group of trappers working for the Interplanetary Zoological Park based in Chicago. They travel to new worlds in other star systems collecting new and unusual specimens for the zoo to let the masses to ooh and ah over. Sounds like fun, right.

The story is set several hundred years into humanity's future, and it is a plausible one at that. Clark's writing style is smooth and easy to follow. The characters are believable and likeable--a must for a good novel like this one. The only thing I can possibly find slightly off with Project U.L.F. (Unidentified Life Forms) is that there are times when the narrative goes on with explanation or background. Do not get me wrong, I loved this book and there is plenty of dialogue--I am just not a big fan of narrative information. This was only minor issue, hence the five-star rating. I look forward to seeing more novels from Clark. He is definitely a science fiction fan.

Stuart Clark is a rising star in science fiction, judging by the reaction to his splendid first novel, "Project U.L.F." A swift-moving adventure, it cleverly transfers "The Lost World" to, literally, a lost world; an unnamed planet 2.7 light years beyond Centauri Red 603. The easy prose and unwavering pace invite you to sit down, strap in, and enjoy the ride.

The shameful past that Wyatt Dorren hides only fuels his drive as head of Project U.L.F., a division of the Interplanetary Zoo tasked with collecting unseen creatures from across the galaxy. He's become good at his job. Too good. And that means someone wants him out of the way. Wyatt and his team of misfits find themselves stranded on an uncharted and very dangerous planet, fending off Clark's imaginative repertoire of critters and beasties as they look for a way home.

It comes as no complaint that "Project U.L.F."'s plot is relatively straightforward; that is the novel's strength. There are a number of twists, turns and betrayals, to be sure, but the joy is in riding along with Wyatt as he works overtime getting out of jams while travelling from Point A to Point Beta Epsilon. A movie thrillride if ever there was one, "Project U.L.F." packs in the set pieces while never feeling manufactured for show.

The ensemble crew have their own trials along the way, and all (well, most all) come across as endearing despite their flaws. I particularly liked Chris, the naive medic who is much more than he seems, and Gon-Thok, the... what the heck is Gon-Thok, anyway? If anything, I thought Furball was underutilized -- while more was hinted at with his empathy, it didn't seem to come to fruition.

If you're yearning for a good, solid adventure of the kind 'they don't seem to make anymore', you're in for a treat with "Project U.L.F.". Me? I'm just waiting for the next installment -- same Clark time, same Clark channel.

This book was recommended to me by a friend, and I loved it! I occasionally read science fiction and fantasy literature, and sometimes I run into problems when the terminology gets too difficult to understand without reading an entire series, or when the storylines are too far-fetched. This book was great - it had enough elements of science fiction to keep it entertaining for the genre, but it did not get bogged down in scientific jargon or boring explanations and descriptions.

The book started off in full swing, taking you right into some of the main character's experiences fighting his own demons. It was abrupt, but not in a confusing way - there was just enough uncertainty to really draw you in and make you want to find out more. The story progresses smoothly and the characters are well developed and interesting. There are a few twists and surprises, and lots of action. I would recommend this book for anyone who wants a light yet stimulating, exciting and fun read.